Got Gas? Natural Solutions to Avoid It!
by Alan Joel

We all have gas and a certain amount after eating is completely
normal. It is also normal for the body to release the gas. This
is done either through belching or farting. On average, adults
fart about 16 times a day. Each fart equals about ½ liter of gas
or more than 2 cups of "shared air". A fart is a mix of nitrogen,
carbon dioxide, oxygen, methane and hydrogen sulfide. The
hydrogen sulfide is what causes the unpleasant ordor sometimes
associated with "passing gas".

Gas created by swallowed air, such as when drinking soda usually
is released through belching. One of the most common causes of
farting is poor digestion. Bacteria in our intestinal tract turns
undigested sugars into gas that is released by farting. Excess
gas that is not released causes bloating.

Certain foods tend to produce more gas than others. This can vary
for each individual and sometimes it is a combination of certain
foods that produces excess gas.

Foods to Avoid to Reduce Gas

Vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, and onions and beans
contain a sugar that is not absorbed or digested and our
intestinal bacteria turns it into gas.

Dairy products can cause excess gas, especially for people that
are lactose sensitive.

Foods with sugar and simple carbohydrates can cause excess gas
and bloating. That includes fructose, the natural sugar found in
fruits and the ever popular high fructose corn syrup found in the
majority of processed foods. Foods that have fiber, sugars, and
starches create gas when they are not digested and absorbed and
result in being broken down in the large intestine.

Carbonated drinks

Artificial sweetners or other foods with sugar alcohol

Natural Solutions to Avoid Excess Gas

Eat slowly to avoid swallowing air.

Avoid using straws for drinking as they lead to swallowing more
air.

Steam foods instead of boiling them.

Avoid drinking during a meal, drink before eating instead to
avoid losing stomach acid that helps break down foods.

Supplement your diet with digestive enzymes and probiotics like
acidophilus and bifidus

Supplements

New Earth's Enzymes contain natural food enzymes that can help
break down fats, carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. It is also
microblended with 25 mg of bluegreen algae, adding
specific vitamins and minerals that many enzymes need for optimum
ability to function. For the body to get the most out of food,
the intestines must be healthy. Acidophilus plays a key role in
supporting the health of the small intestine. New Earth's
probiotic Bifidus creates a favorable environment for the growth
of "good bacteria" in the large intestine.

For some people, chronic or painful excess gas can be a symptom
of more serious conditions including Irritable bowel syndrome,
colon cancer, peptic ulcer, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
If changes in diet and improving digestion don't relieve painful
or chronic gas, consult your health care professional to see if
you have another condition and what treatment options are
available. Everyone has gas, and for most of us improving the
digestive system and making some dietary changes can relieve an
excess amount of gas.